Grooming?

[GinaB]

Tess has the typical schnauzer clip and the groomer does a lovely job. However, trying to keep her neat and tidy til the next grooming appointment is a nightmare. She won't let me near her with a brush! I'm not rough with her, I'm very gentle and try to make it a pleasant experience but she gets very wound up and kicks out and squirms around and then runs away! Ends up all matted in her legs. I hate the groomers good work going to pot after a couple of weeks.

Has anyone any good ideas? I have tried giving her treats while she behaves, but she doesn't catch on (not the most intelligent dog!) and I've tried a detangling/dematting spray but it makes them worse! She has a soft brush for her body and then the slicker style brush for the longer hair on her legs and beard.

 

[CAYLA]

I think some dogs just take the p*ss out of their owner...loads of dogs I groom are little sh*ts if the owner tries to groom them...yet they are good as gold for me...plus the additional help of restraints and grooming table which helps a great deal in grooming an awkward dog.
Do u have a raised table or are you doing her the floor?

 

[GinaB]

She takes the p*ss out of everyone!

I have tried both on the floor, on a footstool and more recently on out outside table (with a blanket on it) She just tries to jump off! (as a say, not the most intelligent)

 

[CAYLA]

Be firm.....show her u mean business

Try putting a non slip matt on the table that helps and will stop her sliding around.
Also try using a slip lead on her and tie it to something...and place one hand under her groin area to keep her still whilst u use the other to groom....easier than it sounds I know

Its best if u use a narrow table...so she cant keep sloping off to the back, where u will be constantly pulling her back to u, and place the table against a wall.....that gives her less direction to leap off

Try and rope someone into helping u

 

[GinaB]

Believe me, I've tried being firm. She is as stubborn as a mule!

Don't think she'll appreciate the groin thing, but I'll try tying her up. Problem is I use slip leads when walking her (especially down at the beach as they don't cost much) so she might think she's going for a walk and go nuts! Should I give her small treats when she behaves or just plenty of praise? I know which she'd prefer

Thanks for all your advice

 

[CAYLA]

Small treats/praise

.......sheeesh..NO...her reward will be not getting a smack on the botti

.....LOL

If I get one that acts up...I persintently place it back into position...they soon get sick

Try placing a slip leash around her stomach...if u have probs with the groin thing.....only thing is you wll need something to clip the leads to a a descent height above her...to keep her in an up-right position...to replace a grooming frame(not that I actually use mine)
Maybe place your table near, some hooks....coat hooks maybe

I know sh*te idea....u might beable to think of summit more suitable...if u do....take some piccs...so I can have a chuckle at your make shift groming station

 

[GinaB]

Haha ok I'll make a make shift grooming table!

Ok another one for you then...how do I stop her barking?! It's not persistent though. She likes to sit and the fron door and watch the world go by (probably thinking up plans of world domination!) but if someone runs past or a dog goes past she goes nuts. Same with when the doorbell goes, barking and growling, which can sound quite viscious so obviously I am worried she'll take it too far? I don't shout at her to be quiet, I tell her firmly (saw a TV programme and it said you shouldn't shout at a barking dog as they think you're joining in?)

 

[CAYLA]

Where ever she is barking...i.e the front door....take her by the collar and remove her from the area...say...into the kitchen and leave her there for a good ten minutes...repeat this everytime she shows this behaviour...and if poss restrict her access to the area she displays the behaviour...i.e if she uses the chair for a better view out of the window...or if she sits at the front door.
She will soon learn...that everytime she shows the un-wanted behaviour...she is removed from the area.
If she learns to ignore the passers-by without barking...slip her a quick treat(no fuss)
You would have to be pretty firm/consistent, as with any routine to prevent a certain behaviour....it will prove pretty hard to break this territorial type behaviour.
Also u will have to be in the house to carry out this routine

Try leaving the radio on...at times when u are not in....as some of the barking will be due to the noise.